Cited by 43Algal biology and biofuel productionAquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton DynamicsWastewater Treatment and Reuse

Biocompounds from wastewater-grown microalgae: a review of emerging cultivation and harvesting technologies

Pereira, Alexia Saleme Aona de Paula, Silva, Thiago Abrantes, Magalhães, Iara Barbosa, Ferreira, Jessica, Braga, Matheus Quintão, Lorentz, Juliana Ferreira, Assemany, Paula Peixoto, Couto, Eduardo de Aguiar do +1 more·2024·Science of The Total Environment

Abstract

Microalgae biomass has attracted attention as a feedstock to produce biofuels, biofertilizers, and pigments. However, the high production cost associated with cultivation and separation stages is a challenge for the microalgae biotechnology application on a large scale. A promising approach to overcome the technical-economic limitations of microalgae production is using wastewater as a nutrient and water source for cultivation. This strategy reduces cultivation costs and contributes to valorizing sanitation resources. Therefore, this article presents a comprehensive literature review on the status of microalgae biomass cultivation in wastewater, focusing on production strategies and the accumulation of valuable compounds such as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, and pigments. This review also covers emerging techniques for harvesting microalgae biomass cultivated in wastewater, discussing the advantages and limitations of the process, as well as pointing out the main research opportunities. The novelty of the study lies in providing a detailed analysis of state-of-the-art and potential advances in the cultivation and harvesting of microalgae, with a special focus on the use of wastewater and implementing innovative strategies to enhance productivity and the accumulation of compounds. In this context, the work aims to guide future research concerning emerging technologies in the field, emphasizing the importance of innovative approaches in cultivating and harvesting microalgae for advancing knowledge and practical applications in this area.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170918

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126 of 126 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • The problem of pollutants in wastewater can be solved by employing advanced technologies and treatment processes, but these tools require high costs and large amounts of energy.

    “This problem, however, can be solved by employing advanced technologies and treatment processes, but these tools require high costs and large amounts of energy (Su et al., 2023; de Paula Pereira et al., 2024; Ugya et al., 2025).”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as de Paula Pereira et al., 2024

  • Although the use of wastewater as an alternative source for microalgae cultivation is possible, high levels of pollutants, such as pesticides and heavy metals, can cause physiological stress and reduce yield, beyond the risk of bioaccumulation of toxic compounds that can compromise the quality of the algal raw material.

    “Although the use of wastewater as an alternative source for microalgae cultivation is possible, high levels of pollutants, such as pesticides and heavy metals, can cause physiological stress and, consequently, reduce yield, beyond the risk of bioaccumulation of toxic compounds that can compromise the quality of the algal raw material.”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as de Paula Pereira et al., 2024

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Authors
Pereira, A. S. A. D. P., Silva, T. A., Magalhães, I. B., Ferreira, J., Braga, M. Q., Lorentz, J. F., Assemany, P. P., Couto, E. D. A. D., & Calijuri, M. L.
Affiliations
  • Universidade Federal de Viçosa (BR)
  • Universidade Federal de Lavras (BR)
  • Universidade Federal de Itajubá (BR)
Corresponding author
Pereira, Alexia Saleme Aona de Paula
Venue
Science of The Total Environment
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2024-04
Volume
920
Pages
170918
ISSN
0048-9697 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4391756184
Cited by
41
References
126
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 22 · 2024: 11
FWCI
0.86
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • The Science of The Total Environment (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Coordination of Higher Education Personnel Improvement
  • Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (APQ 02527-18, APQ-00756-23, RED-00068-23, APQ-03618-23)
  • Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (310319/2020-0, 403521/2023-8)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Waste Management and Disposal › Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
Keywords
microalgae cultivation, water reuse, microalgae harvesting, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, pigments, biofuels, biofertilizers, nutrient recovery, cultivation cost reduction
MeSH terms
Nutrients, Biotechnology, Fatty Acids, Biomass, Biofuels, Microalgae, Wastewater

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